Beta Eta Chapter Loses Recognition, Has Charter Withdrawn Eta Data_SP_SU06.pdf · Orlando ’91,...
6
DATA BETA ETA PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY • FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY BETA ETA CHAPTER ALUMNI NEWSLETTER Beta Eta Chapter Loses Recognition, Has Charter Withdrawn Following repeated warnings by both Florida State University and Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity, the student chapter loses recognition from both entities. On January 30, 2006, Florida State University suspended all activities and withdrew recognition of the Beta Eta Chapter through the summer 2006 term. This move by the university came after a prolonged series of actions by the student chapter that repeatedly put themselves and other university students at risk. The chapter had been on some level of probation with the university since spring 2002. For many of the same violations, Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity revoked Beta Eta’s charter following a unanimous vote of the National Council on March 28, 2006. This decision by the National Council was delayed by nearly two months, however, because of their protracted negotiations with FSU administrators for suitable assurances that Beta Eta could return within the foreseeable future According to Pi Kappa Phi Chief Executive Officer, Mark Timmes, the chapter, “repeatedly made poor choices after they were confronted with their behavior. They were given multiple opportunities to seize the initiative and make positive changes that would preserve Beta Eta’s reputation within the Florida State Greek community and family of Pi Kappa Phi chapters. While the chapter made promises after each episode, their behavior never changed.” Florida State University and Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity first became concerned about Beta Eta’s conduct in 2002. Following sanctions by the university for repeated fighting and student violence, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity empowered a committee of Beta Eta alumni to intervene. In September of 2002, nineteen members of the chapter were removed for disciplinary reasons. Despite this effort by concerned alumni, the trajectory of the chapter continued downward. From 2002 to 2005, the chapter remained on multiple levels of probation with FSU and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. During this time, FSU Police responded to calls at the chapter house on five occasions, three times since September 2005. Each visit by law enforcement brought reports citing violations of the school and fraternity’s alcohol, hazing, and/or student conduct policies. These reports were delivered to the Dean of Students Office, who then sent them to Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Following each report, the student leadership of the chapter was given the opportunity to remediate the situation and take steps to improve. Despite Herculean efforts by both fraternity staff and volunteers, including alumni members Greg Winter ’83, Brian Baber ’92, and Chris Mueller ’92, the chapter continued to alienate itself from the good work and counsel offered by these concerned advisors. The chapter’s unwillingness and inability to hold itself accountable ultimately led to Beta Eta’s demise. According to National President Ernest Johnson, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity remains committed to Beta Eta Chapter and its eleven hundred plus living alumni. “As an employee of the National Fraternity in the early 1980’s, my memories of Beta Eta were cemented by men who upheld the very best traditions of Florida State and Pi Kappa Phi. I have very fond memories of my time in Tallahassee and know the chapter well. Beta Eta holds a special place in this fraternity and we will return to re- colonize as quickly as possible.” The closure of the student chapter raises many questions. In the following pages, Chris Mueller, President of the Beta Eta Housing Corporation, and Michael Loy, President of the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc., answer some frequently asked questions with respect to the student chapter’s closure. SPRING / SUMMER 2006
Transcript of Beta Eta Chapter Loses Recognition, Has Charter Withdrawn Eta Data_SP_SU06.pdf · Orlando ’91,...
DATABETA ETA
PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY • FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITYBETA ETA CHAPTER ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Beta Eta Chapter Loses Recognition, Has Charter WithdrawnFollowing repeated warnings by both Florida State University and Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity, the student chapter loses recognition from both entities.
On January 30, 2006, Florida State University suspended all activities and withdrew recognition of the Beta Eta Chapter through the summer 2006 term. This move by the university came after a prolonged series of actions by the student chapter that repeatedly put themselves and other university students at risk. The chapter had been on some level of probation with the university since spring 2002.
For many of the same violations, Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity revoked Beta Eta’s charter following a unanimous vote of the National Council on March 28, 2006. This decision by the National Council was delayed by nearly two months, however, because of their protracted negotiations with FSU administrators for suitable assurances that Beta Eta could return within the foreseeable future
According to Pi Kappa Phi Chief Executive Officer, Mark Timmes, the chapter, “repeatedly made poor choices after they were confronted with their behavior. They were given multiple opportunities to seize the initiative and make positive changes that would preserve Beta Eta’s reputation within the Florida State Greek community and family of Pi Kappa Phi chapters. While the chapter made promises after each episode, their behavior never changed.”
Florida State University and Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity first became concerned about Beta Eta’s conduct in 2002. Following sanctions by the university for repeated fighting and student violence, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity empowered a committee of Beta Eta alumni to intervene. In September of 2002, nineteen members of the chapter were removed for disciplinary reasons. Despite this effort by concerned alumni, the trajectory of the chapter continued downward.
From 2002 to 2005, the chapter remained on multiple levels of probation with FSU and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. During this time, FSU Police responded to calls at the chapter house on five occasions, three times since September 2005. Each visit by law enforcement brought reports citing violations of the school and fraternity’s alcohol, hazing, and/or student conduct policies. These reports were delivered to the Dean of Students Office, who then sent them to Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Following each report, the student leadership of the chapter was given the opportunity to remediate the situation and take steps to improve. Despite Herculean efforts
by both fraternity staff and volunteers, including alumni members Greg Winter ’83, Brian Baber ’92, and Chris Mueller ’92, the chapter continued to alienate itself from the good work and counsel offered by these concerned advisors. The chapter’s unwillingness and inability to hold itself accountable ultimately led to Beta Eta’s demise.
According to National President Ernest Johnson, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity remains committed to Beta Eta Chapter and its eleven hundred plus living alumni. “As an employee of the National Fraternity in the early 1980’s, my memories of Beta Eta were cemented by men who upheld the very best traditions of Florida State and Pi Kappa Phi. I have very fond memories of my time in Tallahassee and know the chapter well. Beta Eta holds a special place in this fraternity and we will return to re-colonize as quickly as possible.”
The closure of the student chapter raises many questions. In the following pages, Chris Mueller, President of the Beta Eta Housing Corporation, and Michael Loy, President of the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc., answer some frequently asked questions with respect to the student chapter’s closure.
SPRING / SUMMER 2006
NOTESPRINTING ASSISTANCE REQUESTED–Printing costs for the Beta Eta Data represent the Alumni Chapter’s single largest expense. If you would like to assist by offering a direct or in kind gift of printing, please contact Tom Atwood at (800) 929-1904 ext. 104 or [email protected]
NAMES–The number after each name in this newsletter represents the year of initiation.
THANK YOU–As the BHAC closed its first fiscal year on June 30, we wish to thank all alumni who have joined. Despite the recent news of the student chapter, we remain even more committed to the alumni development activities which we have undertaken thus far; and, equally committed to publishing this newsletter. We invite you to support the activities of the BHAC. Membership renewel notices will be mailed shortly.
THE NEXT ISSUE...Former Archon Clarke Cooper ’91 has been working with the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior, despite an active insurgency which has worked to derail the progress made in Iraq. Read about his experiences in the next issue!
The editors of the Beta Eta Data apologize for the delay in this publication. The newsletter was delayed due to pending updates from the Beta Eta Housing Corporation.
2
BETA ETA
DATABeta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc.P.O. Box 11244Tallahassee, FL [email protected]
The Beta Eta Data is published by the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. Please submit questions, comments and corrections to Tom Atwood at [email protected].
HOW TO JOIN
If you would like to join the BHAC, contact Michael Loy at [email protected] or visit http://home.comcast.net/~wahlens
The news of Beta Eta’s closure was difficult to receive. On the one hand, I have met active brothers who are likeable and remind me of brothers I knew in school. On the other hand, the group has repeatedly committed acts which threatened the charter and neglected to maintain the chapter house. The legacy of a proud chapter has taken a blow; however, we will persevere.
Despite the chapter’s closure, the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. (BHAC) will continue to operate. The Board of Directors understands the new challenges before us, but we do not believe that our success is, or was, dependant upon the undergraduate chapter. In fact, there has never been a time where our mission was more important.
At the BHAC’s inception, we committed ourselves to providing meaningful and timely communication of alumni related news. This news will now include updates regarding the future return of the undergraduate chapter. The BHAC also remains committed to organizing alumni events for our alumni. While we will not be able to utilize the chapter house in the near future for such events, we will continue to organize events at other locations as we have over the past year. We encourage you to attend these events so you may enjoy the eternal bond of brotherhood.
Regarding Beta Eta’s return to FSU, please understand that having a strong chapter at FSU is a high priority for both Pi Kappa Phi and Beta Eta alumni. When the chapter is re-opened, it will be the result of an expansion led by Pi Kappa Phi Headquarters staff. This is an unfamiliar process to many of our alumni, but I want to assure you that we can trust the process. I once worked for the Pi Kappa Phi Headquarters and I was involved in many such staff-led expansions. Pi Kapp has one of the best expansion systems in the nation and it will attract top quality men and position them for immediate success at FSU. There will also be ways our alumni can participate in the expansion. As that date nears, the BHAC will inform you of those opportunities.
Finally, I currently sit on Pi Kappa Phi’s Expansion Committee, and I can assure you that the committee is carefully considering the best way to re-open a chapter at FSU to maximize its long-term success. Historically, Beta Eta has been one of Pi Kappa Phi’s top chapters, and we all have an interest to resume that success. While Beta Eta’s closure is a sad chapter in our long, storied history, we should all take heart that there are many people working to resurrect the Beta Eta we once knew and enjoyed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (703) 749-1033 or [email protected].
From the BHAC President
New BHAC MembersThe Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. would like to recognize these members who have joined since the last newsletter.
Frank Kaney ’55, Edward Mason ’57, John Corbett ’59, Robert Rivers ’61, Charles Macmillin ’62, Jim Scarboro ’62, Michael O’Dair ’64, Robert Elefante ’65, Francis Williams ’65, Randy Lenczyk ’66, Chris Cottrill ’68, Richard Hall ’68, Joe Davis ’75, Craig Dierksheide ’75, William Holdorf ’75, Douglas Burgett ’87, Brian Faircloth ’91, George Forman ’91, Greg Jones ’91, Greg McMahon ’91, Mike Orlando ’91, Dan Thompson ’91, Jeffrey Wright ’91, Louis Korb ’93, Chris Korb ’94, Chip Besse ’99
MICHAEL LOY
Wahlen Nominated for National Vice President
Jeff Wahlen ’81, currently ending a two year term as Pi Kappa Phi’s National Treasurer, has been nominated for National Vice President. According to the bylaws of Pi Kappa Phi, the National Vice President is automatically the President-elect.
Voting will occur later this summer at the 50th Supreme Chapter – the fraternity’s biennial legislative convention – which will be held July 28, 2006 through August 1, 2006, in Fort Worth, Texas. To learn more about the convention, view schedules, or register online, please visit 50th.pikapp.org.
3
ALUMNI UPDATESDon BOWLIN ’56Don’s first novel, Danaville’s Rainbow, set in the fictional northwest Florida town of Danaville, will be ready for purchase by major booksellers on May 15, 2006. Available in both hard and soft copies, Danaville’s Rainbow is published by Xlibris Publishing, a subsidiary of Random House, Inc. Don and his wife, Susan, reside in Houston, TX. He is also a contributing writer for the Beta Eta Data. [email protected]
Don LEONARD ’60Don has been retired from education for five years. He is now a professional story teller. Has stories. Will tell. Don lives in Ocala, FL. [email protected]
Bob COVERT ’65Bob Covert, along with wife, Kendra, joined fellow Beta Eta alumnus, Bob Orr, on a rainy afternoon in Washington, D.C., last Feb. Bob and Bob spent time reminiscing about the house they once rented near the stadium with fellow Beta Eta brother, Bob Elephante. Three Bobs under one roof. After two years in the army and several years with a pharmaceutical company, Covert is now a real estate appraiser in Searcy, AR and has two sons, Blaine and Kent. [email protected]
Bob Orr, Kendra Covert, and Bob Covert pause for brief photo while touring Washington, D.C.
Rick LESTER ’72After 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, Colonel Rick Lester will retire in Aug. He has served as the Commander of UD Forces South Pacific and Defense Attaché to Australia where he helped to coordinate Australian military support for Allied operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Currently, Rick is serving as the 1st Air Force Inspector General at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, FL. Following retirement ceremonies, Rick and his wife, Sandee, will head to Tampa, FL. [email protected]
Members of the Beta Eta Housing Corporation (BHHC) were saddened by revocation of the student chapter’s charter. At the same time, the BHHC realizes the property at 423 West College Avenue is the chapter’s largest and most important asset. Not only is there tremendous value in the appreciated property, but there is a rich, symbolic importance to the house itself. Accordingly, the BHHC is taking the following steps to preserve our asset and our heritage.
1. PROPERTY PROTECTION. Upon news of the chapter’s charter revocation, the BHHC worked with our management company to protect the house from potential vandalism caused by the student members. Officials from the National Fraternity worked closely with Beta Eta as advisors through the process. We have boarded up much of the property, but have been limited somewhat because several student tenants will remain in the house, protected by their lease, through much of the summer term.
The front of the house has sustained some damage from disgruntled, former student members. It has also been subject to vandalism from other students. FSU Police have been very cooperative and have increased patrols in the area. The last of the former student members will move out in August.
2. FINDING A TENANT. Again, working closely with Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity, we have been able to secure a tenant on a multi-year lease. Beginning this fall, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity will occupy the house. The BHHC has been able to craft a win-win lease which will allow Alpha Epsilon Pi, currently an un-housed chapter at Florida State, stability in a hectic student housing market, while covering all of the BHHC’s annual expenses and making a respectable yearly profit. The Board feels this is a mutually beneficial arrangement.
It is important for alumni to prepare themselves to see the letters of another fraternity on our house, but rest assured, this is a temporary solution. The move to rent the facility was the right business decision, allowing us to preserve our capital, build good will within the FSU Greek community by assisting another fraternity, and will allow the BHHC to recruit additional volunteers in the meantime. If you have any questions about the status of the corporation, please feel free to contact me at (813) 748-8032 or [email protected].
From the BHHC PresidentCHRIS MUELLER
Leading a newly created Chapter History Committee, Director Roger Randolph ’57 and alumnus John Garrett ’55 have begun important work to document and record Beta Eta’s storied history. Their approach will be to isolate the chapter’s history by decade, recruit brothers to assist them in the collection of information, and rely upon volunteers to help write the history. To begin this project, both Randolph and Garrett have been looking at the critical years leading up to the establishment of Beta Eta on February 18, 1950. Working with source material from the National Fraternity’s archives that dates back to the late 1940’s, they have been able to trace the history of Beta Eta back to its genesis. According to Randolph, “It has been great to read the correspondence between the National Fraternity officials and
local (Tallahassee area) alumni in 1948-1949, discussing their shared desire to bring Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity to Florida State University. To read the back and forth correspondence between Pi Kappa Phi leaders like Charles Tom Henderson, Chi (Stetson) and Bernie Jones, Alpha (Charleston) was fascinating.
Randolph adds that it is he and Garrett’s desire to involve as many brothers as possible in this project. “We’re looking for people, especially from the late 1960’s through the present who would like to participate in the completion of this work.” If you would like to assist with this project, have a story to tell, or memorabilia (papers, scrapbooks, and photos) that you would like to share, please contact Roger Randolph at (813) 908-8788 or [email protected]
Alumni Work to Preserve Chapter History
4
John EATON ’85In Feb. 2006, John joined the law firm Berger Singerman, P.A. as a shareholder resident of the Ft. Lauderdale, FL office where he is a member of the firm’s Business Reorganization Team. His practice is two-fold: bankruptcy matters and commercial litigation. He would love to hear from his fellow Beta Eta brothers. [email protected]
Dan BERGER ’88After three years as V.P. of Government Relations at America’s Community Bankers, a trade association that represents community banks across the U.S., Dan has taken a position as head lobbyist and Senior V.P. of Government Affairs at the National Association of Federal Credit Unions, a trade association that represents U.S. credit unions. [email protected]
David WISNIEWSKI ’88David recently joined the in-house legal department at SunTrust Banks in Atlanta and will become Group V.P. in charge of SEC disclosure and mergers and acquisitions. He and his wife recently celebrated their fourth anniversary. Their son is three. [email protected]
Seth KLONDAR ’91In January 2006, Seth founded TrendMiners LLC (www.trendminers.com), a marketing and sales agency for overseas technology accessory manufacturers. The company’s mission is to bring new products into the U.S. market through wireless carriers, and national and local retailers. In its first quarter, TrendMiners demonstrated a promising future. [email protected]
Michael LOY ’91Now living in the D.C. area, Michael recently joined the law firm Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald, LLP as an associate, specializing in construction litigation. He and his wife, Nil, currently live in Potomac, MD. [email protected]
Mike and his wife recently went hiking in New Zealand’s Southern Alps
Celebrating its first 12 months of existence, the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. held its inaugural Annual Meeting on February 25, 2006, in Tampa, Florida, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Beta Eta’s from across six decades caught up with old friends and made new ones at the meeting and cocktail reception that followed. Nearly 40 alumni and guests attended the event, and many enjoyed dinner together afterwards. Hugo deBeaubien ’68, who traveled from Orlando to attend, enjoyed the meeting and reception. “This was a very good and informative event. I look forward to seeing more of our brothers at future alumni chapter gatherings,” he commented.
During the meeting, elections were held for two seats on the Board of Directors. Roger Randolph ’57 and Brian Baber ’92 were
reelected to their director seats for 3-year terms. President Michael Loy ’91 also announced an initiative to develop a written history of the Beta Eta Chapter (see page 3 for details).
In light of recent developments regarding the student chapter, alumnus Tom Atwood ’92, Executive Director of the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation, spoke to the group about the possible revocation of Beta Eta’s charter by the Fraternity and future plans for the chapter’s return to FSU.
Concluding business, the membership unanimously adopted Resolutions of Appreciation to recognize Beta Eta alumni celebrating 50 and 25 years of membership and to thank Brian Baber and Chris Mueller ’92 for their dedication in preparing a strategic plan to keep the current undergraduate chapter open.
Alumni Chapter Holds First Annual Meeting
1) From L to R, Darren Scott ’91 is pictured with Brian Baber ’92, Jeff Korb ’92 and Greg McMahon ’91. 2) Enjoying the company of fellow brothers from L to R are Jeff Niedenthal ’67, Mike Loy ’91, Hugo deBeaubien ’68, and Jeff Wahlen ’81. 3) A reunion of brothers from the 90’s. Pictured L to R are Dave Wynne ’92, Jeff Korb ’92, Brian Baber ’92, James Godwin ’95, Geoff Bowles ’96, Chris Ryle ’93 and Chris Mueller ’92. 4) Pictured from L to R: Tom Hogle ’57, Roger Randolph ’57 and Jim Ralston ’50 reminisce about their time in the chapter. 5)Tom Brady ’92, wife, Laura, and their daughter, Kinslyn, joined other families at the reception.
1
2 3
4 5
5
Jeff BUTLER ’92Jeff and Jennifer Butler proudly announce the birth of their daughter, Jordan Townsend Butler, born March 9, 2006. The Butlers, along with their son, Jack, and Jordan, live in the Washington, D.C., area. Jeff currently serves as CEO of Broadreach Healthcare, LLC, an international company dedicated to expanding access to healthcare services in the developing world. [email protected]
Jeff and Jen Butler pose with the Loys, Atwoods, and Lewis’ at Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa, FL last Christmas.
Crandall CUNNINGHAM ’92Crandall currently works for Allstate Insurance. He has been married for ten years and lives in Titusville, FL, with wife, LeAnne, and their two sons. [email protected]
Adam FELDMAN ’92Adam and Christal Feldman are proud to announce the most recent addition to the Feldman family: Levi Samuel Feldman, born Feb. 12, 2006. [email protected]
Dave WYNNE ’92Dave and Amanda Wynne have lived in Tampa, FL since graduating from Florida State in 1997. Dave is an attorney with Bavol Judge PA where he does corporate defense litigation. They have a two year old daughter, Natalie, who will attend Florida State in fall 2022. [email protected]
Dave Wynne and Brian Baber ’92 stop for a quick photo during a recent golf outing.
POISED FOR SUCCESS (continued from cover)
Brad LEWIS ’93On November 12, 2005, Brad and his fiancée, Stacey Traum, were married in Tampa, Florida. Brad and Stacey live in Lutz, FL. [email protected]
Pi Kappa Phi’s pose at the Lewis wedding last fall. From L to R stand Jolyon Acosta ’93, Chris Downs ’94, Brad Lewis ’93, and Jonathan Stevens ’92.
Mike OAKMAN ’93Michael and Tanya Oakman recently moved to Jacksonville Beach, FL. They have two sons: Zach who is 3 and AJ who is 14 months. Mike owns a hazardous waste disposal company. [email protected]
Steven WARREN ’94Steve and Danna Warren welcomed into the world their third child, Dashiell Ramsey Warren, on October 31, 2005. [email protected]
Nathan BIGELOW ’96Nathan Bigelow and his wife, Tiffany, moved to Spring, Texas last August. He is a pilot for ExpressJet aka Continental Express Airlines, and she is a speech therapist at a local elementary school. They recently became parents to a beautiful baby boy named Ethan Michael, who was born on March 1st. [email protected]
Nathan and Tiffany Bigelow are proudly pictured with their son, Ethan.
Geoff BOWLES ’96Geoff has recently signed on with Stephens, Inc., an investment banking firm based out of Little Rock, AR, that specializes in a variety of investment products. Out of the St. Petersburg office, Geoff works as an institutional fixed income sales rep, specializing in mortgage and corporate bond trading. Still living in Tampa, Geoff can be reached at (866) 765-1557. [email protected]
Geoff Bowles, other Beta Eta’s, and guests recently gathered on Hilton Head Island, SC for a weekend of golf.
Mike MEITIN ’97Mike recently moved from Indianapolis, IN where he was working with the Indiana Pacers organization. He now resides in Denver and is currently employed by the Denver Nuggets front office. [email protected]
Chip BESSE ’99Chip and Melinda Besse currently live in London where he is a partner with Clearbrook Capital, an international private equity firm. Chip has spent the last three months preparing and structuring two equity investment funds – a €200m private equity fund designed to purchase companies in North America and the European Economic Area with enterprise values less than €200m and a complimentary £1bn publicly-listed property fund, involving property transactions in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. [email protected]
Chapter Archon Ed Tenewitz ’72 presents a Golden Legion Certificate, commemorating fifty years of membership in Pi Kappa Phi, to Charles Tom Henderson, Chi (Stetson) at the Beta Eta Founders Day Banquet on February 17, 1973. A lifelong volunteer for his fraternity, Henderson was not only instrumental in the establishment and early success of Beta Eta, but engaged at the national level as well. He went on to serve eight years on the National Council, including two as National President from 1968-1970.
33 YEARS AGO
6
REMEMBER
The mission of the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter shall be to reestablish a viable alumni group, dedicated to connecting alumni with each other and to their fraternity through timely communication of relevant alumni news and through meaningful events. This group shall promote the ideals of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity as expressed in our ritual of initiation and
Supreme Laws and encourage Beta Eta alumni to renew their lifetime pledge to the brotherhood and this fraternity.
Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc.P.O. Box 11244Tallahassee, FL 32302-3244
